Paris Aesthetics: Iconic Locations and Photogenic Landmarks to Capture in Paris
You know the rules of social media, right? If you experienced something and didn’t make an Instagram or TikTok post, then it didn’t happen. I certainly live by this rule while I travel!
Social media is an ever-evolving landscape, with new apps popping up all the time. But it’s been around for a while now, so keeping your feeds updated with your adventures is basically second nature for us now. As a society, we like to share, to bring our buddies along with us for whatever ride we’re going on next! It doesn’t matter if you’re a brand-new global explorer or a seasoned vet, when you take a photo, your first instinct is to share it with your world.
In the social media pantheon, Instagram still reigns supreme, and as far as destinations go, there’s one that’s still queen of them all: Paris. With her dreamy cobbled streets, iconic landmarks, delicious food, and unique architecture, few cities come anywhere close to being as photogenic as the capital of France, considered one of the most Instagrammable cities on the planet.
10 Most Instagram-Worthy Spots in Paris, City of Love
It’s tough to narrow down the very best Instagram photo spots in a city as stunning as Paris, and honestly, it’s totally a subjective thing. But these spots are the ones we like best ourselves, along with a few tips on how to get the very best viral, crowd-free shots (and don’t forget you’ll need the perfect caption when you post).
1. Eiffel Tower from Rue de l’Université
Folks love to snap the Eiffel Tower from the Jardin de la Tour Eiffel or the Trocadéro, but can I make a tiny suggestion?
Tuck yourself away on the nearby Rue de l’Université around sunrise to snap a fantastic, unobstructed offset view of the Eiffel Tower framed by some of the classic Haussmann architecture that’s so iconic to Paris. At this hour, foot traffic should be a bit lessened and the lighting will be dreamily soft and perfectly Parisian. It’s a great spot for solo shutterbugs or a memorable family trip group shot.
If you want to photograph yourself there, the pale sandy tones of the buildings coordinate beautifully with light, flowy clothing in a similar palette for a chic portrait; in springtime, nearby greenery provides a fabulous pop of contrasting color. Otherwise, those same elegantly pale buildings would also be a great backdrop for a whimsical and colourful ensemble!
2. Palais-Royal and Its Striped Columns
Inside the courtyard of the Palais-Royal, you’ll find the somewhat infamous black and white Colonnes de Buren installation. This once-controversial display of modern art is one of the city’s most innovative, playful, and vibrant spots, making it the ideal Instagram location for those who like something a little bit different. For the best lighting that will really make your pictures pop, try to visit during either golden hour or mid-morning.
While you’re in the area, don’t forget to pop in and see the gardens of Palais-Royal. They’re one of the most stunning hidden places in Paris, and there are plenty of photo opportunities there as well.
3. Montmartre & Rue de l’Abreuvoir
Paris is full of charming streets, from the very shortest to grandiosely long avenues. For an ivy-covered, cobblestoned step back into the past, make your way to Rue de l’Abreuvoir in Montmartre. With an abundance of rosy-toned buildings and ancient brick walls festooned in greenery, this little street is truly the epitome of a romantic stroll in Paris.
Since it’s such a beautiful road, it should come as no surprise that it’s a popular photo spot. To avoid the crowds and get the best picture possible, we’re going to suggest that you visit around 8 AM on weekdays.
And from here, why not take a stroll over to Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre? This is a must-do on your Paris itinerary, where you’ll enjoy more iconic snapping opportunities and appreciate one of the most gorgeous sights of the city!
4. Galerie Lafayette Rooftop
The rooftop of a department store could seem like a bit of an odd choice when it comes to the most Instagrammable spots in the city of lights, but hear us out: this is one of the few places tourists can enjoy a stunning free panoramic view of the city skyline that includes the Eiffel Tower.
For the very best in your sweeping cityscape shots, be sure to visit during the late afternoon for golden hour, to shoot Paris as though it’s bathed in honey. And hey, once you’re done, be sure to enjoy some shopping at the department store. We’ve got a fantastic guide on what to buy in Paris if you need a little help.
5. Pont Alexandre III
The ornate, Beaux-Arts style Pont Alexandre III bridge is quite often (and rightly!) featured as the backdrop to bridal photoshoots and proposal pictures, and has even featured in shows and movies like Emily in Paris and Me Before You. With its abundance of beautiful Art Nouveau lamps, gilded garlands, chubby cherubs, and dancing nymphs, this ornate bridge is thought to be one of the most beautiful places in all of Paris and certainly contributes to her reputation as one of France’s most romantic cities.
Be sure to visit either at sunrise or just after sunset to capture the atmospheric lamplight and dramatic skies at this truly breathtaking location.
6. The Louvre Pyramid
It’s one of our favorite European museums here at Wanderlust Craze, and for good reason. There’s no denying the icon status of the Louvre’s glass pyramid; you and I have both seen it glittering in the Paris sun on Instagram whenever one of our friends visits the City of Lights! It’s absolutely a show-stopper thanks to its sharp, modern lines that stand out against the façade of the palace. There is no location more absolutely emblematic of Paris, so of course you’ve got to stop here for a snap session.
In my estimation, the best time to visit the Louvre Pyramid is either very early in the morning when the city is just beginning to stir, or on the evening of a Wednesday or Friday, when the museum is open later. If you plan on visiting other museums during your stay (as well as the Louvre), you might find it more wallet-friendly to go ahead and pick up the Paris Museum Pass for discounted entry costs.
7. Cafe de Flore
One of the city’s oldest cafés, Café de Flore is a perfectly picturesque Parisian dream, with festoons of flowers, tiny sidewalk tables, and absolutely iconic ruffled awnings. All this along with its richly storied past and fantastic location in Saint-Germain-des-Prés make it, of course, one of the most popular Instagram photo spots. It’s almost impossible to take a bad photo here!
There’s usually a rush of cafe-goers in the mid-morning, so it’s best to visit earlier so as not to miss out on quieter times. Be sure to opt for an outdoor table, naturellement, to take the most classic, stylish pictures here.
8. Jardins du Trocadéro
Just across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower is the stunning Jardins du Trocadéro. This is the ultimate Instagram spot where many of the most memorable sweeping shots of the Eiffel Tower are taken. If what you want is to get a professional-level shot of yourself in front of the Tower, this is the place to be.
The gardens–undeniably part of the reason Paris is known as the City of Love–are especially beautiful during sunrise, so that’s going to be the prettiest time to go. Bonus, it’s often also a quiet time of day, and the gentle sunrise light is gorgeously glowy. Unsurprisingly, the Jardins du Trocadéro are one of the best parks in Paris, and honestly, they make basically the most perfect spot for a sweet couples’ breakfast picnic or a romantic Eiffel Tower Proposal too!
9. Place des Vosges
If symmetry is your photography jam, then head over to the Marais where Place des Vosges stands elegantly as one of Paris’ oldest royal squares. The trees here are precisely planted, the square is absolutely perfect, and it’s surrounded by a series of lovely old red brick buildings with nice lines and fantastic curved archways. The park here is a very pretty place to bring a picnic and while away the afternoon as you wait to snap some gorgeous golden hour pictures–the red brick really stands out at this time.
10. Le Consulat Café in Montmartre
We couldn’t resist putting another café on our list, and when you see it, well, could you blame us? Nowhere is more perfectly, quintessentially Parisian than the white stucco and striped awnings of Le Consulat, where even the menu on the walls outside is a work of ornately lettered art. It’s one of the most shared photo locations in Paris on Instagram!
Because of its classically Parisian exterior and tasty food, Le Consulat is quite a bustling place most of the time. Early weekday mornings will be your best bet for a quieter photo, but we have to say, people and all, there really is something about the lamplit atmosphere of dusk that makes for an alluring shot here.
Top Tips for the Perfect Shot in Paris
- Avoiding Crowds: Visit on weekdays, and always arrive early. Knowing when to go to Paris
- can make all the difference—early mornings or off-season months like late fall or winter
- often mean fewer tourists and better shots.
- Packing Essentials: Bring a mini tripod, portable charger, and multiple outfits. Check out our backpacking checklist and what to pack for Paris to stay camera-ready.
- Golden Hour: Aim for sunrise or sunset to capture warm, flattering light.
- Aesthetic Stays: Staying somewhere beautiful and unique, like a traditional boutique hotel, can help you get gorgeous snaps of your downtime in Paris. For some recommendations, here are our picks on where to stay in Paris.
- Aesthetic Food: Choosing Instagrammable restaurants in Paris can also help you get some super-indulgent snaps of the delicious food the city has to offer.
- Stay Alert: It’s easy to get absorbed in framing and shooting the perfect panoramic photo, but a great safety tip is to keep an eye out for your belongings while snapping, as there are always people ready to take advantage of a traveler’s inattention.
- Seasonal Awareness: Each season in Paris has its charms; check ahead with our handy guide to see which time of year is the best for the photo aesthetic you want to curate.
